new boat lift

[Pistol Pete]

looking for my 1st boat lift, have kind of narrowed it down to either a Pier Pleasure or a Shoremaster. Any thoughts between the two? Am getting a solar charger with the electric option.

[goose89]

Vertical lift I'm assuming. Can hardly beat Shoremaster quality wise. I'm very happy with my Pier Pleasure Cantilever, going on 3rd year. Bought mine purely because of price point at the time, with not alot of reviews or info other that dealer. Last few years I've read nothing but good reviews on PP. LOTS of expensive boats on Pier Pleasure vertical lifts on Gull Lake.

[NCLaker]

Love Pier Pleasures. I have the pontoon vertical lift version (longer) w/ a 28' canopy for my 25' Premier pontoon. I don't recall the specs on the shore master, but I like some key features for PP:

- brass pullies instead of plastic

- all hardware is either stainless steel or brass

- Stainless steel cables instead of galvanized

- fewer pieces because much is welded instead of bolted together.

- Lift is looks great, and I like the canopy that is fairly deep.

- Built to like a tank, and had 120" option for my wider pontoon

Only real drawbacks - a little heavier then some (due to stronger construction I assume), don't have a wheel option tht is retractable.

Definitely get the Seamark fabric if doing a canopy. Doesn't fade, and lasts much longer tehan vinyl.

[goose89]

..don't have a wheel option tht is retractable.

Agree with NCLaker. BUT! If you go with Shoremaster because of the retractable wheel system, stop! Dad has (HAD) it on his. PITA! We had a blacksmith make up 4 removable axles and welded a tube that would slide onto it on a donut spare tire ($20/each). Axles post use same tube as adjustable pads. Lift (in water cable jack or 2 guys) one end, replace pads with wheels in front and back....simple and way more effective to have 4 wheels at each corner than 2 in middle. That system lasted 3 years....simple, but alot of stress on cables and axle tubes.... not as bulletproof as our home-made system.

I easily took out both our lifts by myself with help of dock / lift cable jack and 4 wheeler. Would have NEVER done it with Shoremaster wheel system.

[NCLaker]

I have the Pier Pleasure removable wheel system - If you use dock / lift cable jack, pier pleasure sells one that is freakin awesome - can lift half the lift to put wheels on and adjust pads by yourself. I have a single wheel pair, works well if you have it placed right on the lift. Only draw back of the 4 wheel system is that it has very little if any steering, not a problem if you go straight in/out.

I did get a power winch w/ 12v solar option. It is a Lift Tech and very happy with it - had one issue, and they took care of replacing with no hassles. Only draw back is the 12v is not real fast for my setup. I hear the 24v & 110v are faster.

And if you have an Gull problems with your canopy. Product from Cross Lake, MN called "Gulls Away" works awesome.

[Tom7227]

Consider going up at least one notch on the weight capability. Boats aren't getting any lighter and it would be disappointing if you had to buy a new lift because the old one couldn't take the weight. I bought a ShoremMaster from Marine Dock and Lift in Center City and it is vastly superior to the ShoreStation I had for my old boat. The heavier capacity lift as a very low gear ratio for the winch which makes it a lot easier to use. But you also have to crank it a lot to go up or down. I have an electric winch for it, wired it so I can use the second battery in the boat, and bought a solar panel from Northern to pump up the battery. Great setup.

[leech~~]

Unless you have a really heavy boat and need a Vertical lift. I really don't like them as much because you have to crawl over the top of the cross beams where the cables run through, where a Cantilever you do not. It's harder for older folks and kids to load into the boat.

[NCLaker]

Unless you have a really heavy boat and need a Vertical lift. I really don't like them as much because you have to crawl over the top of the cross beams where the cables run through, where a Cantilever you do not. It's harder for older folks and kids to load into the boat.

Pier Pleasures and some others don't use a vertical cross beam on one or both sides, eliminating the problem you describe. Instead have a V framing on the sides. I would agree that for lighter boats, cantilevers are sufficient. Cheaper, simpler to maintain and less to go wrong - just make sure when the boat is on the lift for the day to crank it all the way up so you take stress off the cables.

Vertical lifts shine with heavier boats, water that can fluctuate a lot, or lifts that needs higher clearance from the bottom, a bit easier to center under the lift, You can also crank your boat up so it is tight under your canaopy

[NCLaker]

Oh ... and if you are buying used, verify the lake it came from does NOT have invasive species issues that could be tranplanted to your lake via the used boat lift.

If it is, do your homework to confirm how to handle properly to prevent spreading.

I have heard a number if instances that this is the susspected source of many Zebra Mussel infestations.